A cooler spell this week is proving a welcome boost to soft-fruit production, particularly raspberry and blackberry crops.

The Summerfruit Company reports that an easing in the temperatures has helped fruit development. Marketing desks have been pleased that promotions run by the multiples and the pr effort of British Summer Fruits have boosted raspberry demand at the peak of the Kent season so that the market was able to absorb volumes. "Continuity is assured now as Scottish Glen Lyon and Tulameen are expected to hit their peak next week," said TSC's Scott Woolford.

On stream already are English blackberries, which have taken over from the Netherlands just two weeks into their season as the main source of supply. The cooler temperatures have given the crop a welcome fillip. "Overall quality is excellent, promising what might be a vintage season," said Woolford.

On the strawberry job, Elsanta is on the wane as high temperatures have brought on everbearers and Everest and Symphony are spearheading TSC's offer at this point in the season. English fruit is also being matched by Scottish supplies which are reaching their peak.

Meanwhile, the first Opal plums were due to be harvested this week with volumes building towards the end of the month before the Victoria harvest begins in another month's time.

Topics